Ferrari 308,328 or 348?
Discussion
I have never had a Ferrari and whilst I am not interested in anything modern I do really fancy owning one. My favourite to look at has always been the 348 but I would also consider a 308 or a 328. In terms of driving pleasure and ownership costs and hassle I would really appreciate some advice. Many thanks in advance.
davek_964 said:
I owned a 348 for about 18 months.
It was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
Thanks for the info it does seem that you need about 60k for a good 348. Having said that none of them are cheap anymore. I enjoyed reading your 650 threads BTWIt was much better than I expected it to be, and very fun to drive. It was already about 20 years old when I owned it and he did seem to require fairly frequent tinkering but it was generally minor stuff (electrical connection to the door etc).
I did find myself looking at 308 and 328s after I'd owned the 348 - I think they are more 'classic' and I prefer the styling I think.
But if you prefer the 348 I'd say they're great cars.
Only negative is that when I sold mine prices suddenly jumped up. I'm not entirely sure I'd choose the 348 vs some other Ferrari if the prices are still high. It was a good car at ~£30k - I'm not sure it was a £50-60k car
67Dino said:
Not able to compare those three, but the 328 is very pretty to look at, just not very fast.
Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
Oh I’m 6.2 might not fit then.Very modest power (a hatchback GTi would be quicker) and fairly basic and built like a Fiat inside. Also worth noting it’s small - I’d say 6’ is the absolute height limit to be able to drive it. That said, it is fun to drive because even at low speed it’s engaging (if rattly) to throw around plus you get to look at.
When I had mine it was a £30k car and worth every penny. At 3x that now it’s not such great value, but still a work of art.
browngt3 said:
I can thoroughly recommend a 308. Had mine 5 years now and love it. Very reliable, practical and easy to own car. Running costs have been minimal although it is due a belt service now.
These are old cars now so buying a good one with extensive maintenance history is critical. If you buy one that has been stood around it'll more than likely drive poorly. When they get used, the lovely gearbox frees up and becomes a pleasure rather than stiff and horrible. Same goes for the suspension. A good 308 will be a very smooth and engaging drive. They are plenty fast enough for our roads so don't take any notice of people saying they are slow. By the way the engine is a masterpiece. Nail the perfect heel and toe downshift and you won't look at a paddle shift ever again!
I haven't driven the others but the same will apply. The difference between a good car and a poor one is huge. I think the 348 has aged very well and I actually prefer it's looks to a 355. Never used to think that
Thanks for the advice I love the look of the 308 and the 328 as well. I need to find an owner nearby in Lancashire and have a proper look at one and make sure that I can fit in it. I am in no rush to buy so I am happy to wait for the right car to come along.These are old cars now so buying a good one with extensive maintenance history is critical. If you buy one that has been stood around it'll more than likely drive poorly. When they get used, the lovely gearbox frees up and becomes a pleasure rather than stiff and horrible. Same goes for the suspension. A good 308 will be a very smooth and engaging drive. They are plenty fast enough for our roads so don't take any notice of people saying they are slow. By the way the engine is a masterpiece. Nail the perfect heel and toe downshift and you won't look at a paddle shift ever again!
I haven't driven the others but the same will apply. The difference between a good car and a poor one is huge. I think the 348 has aged very well and I actually prefer it's looks to a 355. Never used to think that
cgt2 said:
I'm 6'3. 308 is absolutely fine as you sit low. A smaller steering wheel helps too. 348 is fine too. 328 was the worst for me. My 308 and 328 were both LHD by the way, much better driving position for tall folk due to lack of wheelarch intrusion on throttle side.
Excellent thanks for sharing at least I will fit. I will try and look at an early 308 as well. Do the carburettors need continuous fettling or are they easy to maintain?Edited by cgt2 on Saturday 8th February 00:18
Some great insights thank you. I notice that most people advise against a GTS version which is the one I was considering due to the additional dimension. Do they really feel that wobbly in comparison? I am definitely not looking for anything fast just a classic to add to my other weekend car. If anyone lives in Lancashire and doesn’t mind me looking at their car please let me know.
Gassing Station | Ferrari Classics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff